Job: Weapon Systems Operator (Crewman), The Royal Air Force - Preston

The job:

Weapon Systems Operators plan for supplies, personnel, weapons, relief packages or a medical team to be loaded, carried and unloaded from aircraft quickly and safely.

You may also have an important role on the flight deck, offering hands-on assistance and information to the pilots. For some missions, you could be trained to operate the aircraft’s defence systems.

Other roles:

As a Weapon Systems Operator (Crewman), you can also volunteer to train as a Winchman on a Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter later in your career.

Training:

All Weapon Systems Operators join the RAF as non-commissioned aircrew. After your recruit and specialist training, you’ll be streamed, according to your skills, to become a Weapon Systems Operator (Crewman), a Weapon Systems Operator (Acoustic and Electronic Warfare) or a Weapon Systems Operator (Linguist).

Qualifications you need: 5 GCSEs/SCEs at Grade C/3 minimum or equivalent, including English language and maths

Qualifications you can gain: A-levels, degree or Masters degree

Nationality:British citizen since birth or holder of dual British/other nationality.

Joining age:17.5 – 37